Cat drinking from a pet water fountain
(Image credit: Getty)Like you, pets need fresh, clean, safe drinking water to live a long and healthy life. Bowls work fine in a pinch, but they don’t offer nearly as many benefits as the best pet water fountains.
“Pet water fountains are great because they provide a continuous flow of fresh, filtered water, enticing pets to stay hydrated throughout the day,” explains vet Dr. Georgina Ushi. “With adjustable flow settings and various designs to suit different preferences, these fountains encourage pets to drink more water, promoting good hydration.”
That’s important, especially for pets who mostly eat the best dry cat food or the best dry dog food. Dried foods can be just as nutritious as wet ones, but they don’t contain as much water. If your pet has certain health conditions, this is something to be particularly mindful of. “Water is very beneficial, especially for pets with urinary tract or kidney issues,” says Dr. Beth Turner, DVM.
Plus, pet fountains keep water cool and clean. According to Dr. Turner, “impurities such as dirt, litter, hair, food, and water contaminants are removed since most fountains contain filters.” Not only does this make fountains safer for your furry friend, but Dr. Turner notes that “it can improve the taste of the water, too.”
The best pet water fountains can also help reduce spills and splashes. And you’ll never have to worry about a knocked-over bowl again — a nuisance when you’re home but hazardous if you’re away and your pet loses their water supply. Bottom line: Like the best automatic pet feeders, pet water fountains make it safer and easier to leave home with peace of mind.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to style, features, and price range. You’ll find our list of the best fountains below — with pros, cons, and all the details you need to choose the right one for your pet.
The best pet water fountains 2024
Best affordable pet water fountain
Bring some harmony to your household with this pretty dog fountain, which has a yin-and-yang-inspired shape. The water spout is less like a fountain and more like a gentle trickle – instead of being ejected into the air, the water flows down a narrow channel into a generously sized bowl.
The downside is that the spout isn’t the most accessible one we’ve seen, especially for smaller dogs and cats. On the plus side, Pioneer Pet gets a gold star for the ease with which this can be assembled, as well as the super strong suction cups – nothing’s worse than a full-to-the-brim pet fountain sloshing its way across a kitchen floor.
Averaging 3.9 stars out of five on Amazon, hundreds of happy buyers say this pet fountain is a good buy. Easy to take apart and put together again, many users say it’s simple to clean. And while some buyers complain about the noise it makes, others say it’s actually quiet when set up properly. The good news is that most cats seem to love it and take to it well.
Reasons to buy: A wide, gentle water spout means less mess and the low profile means it won’t block cupboard doors or drawers.
Reasons to avoid: The angle of the water flow might make access tricky for smaller animals.
Best for picky cats
Catit's water fountains are inexpensive and do the job perfectly well, and the petal top on its popular Flower Fountain is about as iconic as you can get in the world of pet water fountains, as the image at the top of this guide amply demonstrates.
The LED Flower Fountain is a small but significant upgrade to the basic fountain, with some great new features. You still get Catit's triple action filter for keeping kitty's water clean and fresh, as well as that distinctive petal top, but this model also comes with a useful water level indicator that makes it much easier to tell when it's time for a refill, as well as a blue LED nightlight to make it easier for your cat to find its water in the dark (and to stop you kicking it over if you're wandering around the house in the night).
Many thousands of people have reviewed this pet fountain on Amazon and it averages 4.4 out of five. The vast majority give it four stars or more and, aside from praising its looks, they say it operates quietly and seems to encourage cats to drink. Some users say it may need to be weighted while light appears to cause algae to grow.
Reasons to buy: Choice of three settings and the night light will help your cat find it in the dark.
Reasons to avoid: Only one filter included.
Best for appearance
A brilliant option for small dogs and cats, this day-glo water fountain is ideal for the style-savvy pet owner. To start with, its spout is topped with a model of a butterfly, and the retina-burning shade of turquoise offers a welcome alternative to the varying shades of grey used for many pet fountains.
Four-legged friends won’t need to form an orderly queue, either – four water spouts make it easy for multiple animals to rehydrate simultaneously, although you can also pop off the butterfly topper to create a single water spout. Cleaning this fountain is also incredibly easy – simply take it apart and place the plastic pieces in the dishwasher. The pump needs a quick manual clean twice a month.
Averaging 3.9 stars out of five, initial impressions haven’t always been favorable: one user says it smelled like plastic when getting it out of the box. But buyers have been reporting that the product is long-lasting, great value and well made. So long as you put a plate underneath, buyers say you shouldn’t need to worry about splashing. It’s largely silent when full.
Reasons to buy: Attractive to look at.
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for larger dogs.
Best quiet pet water fountain
Say hello to the classy and quiet Pure Drink pet fountain from PETKIT. With an almost silent pump that stays below 30 dB and low energy consumption, it’s the best fountain for 24/7 use.
With a circulation system that provides maximum oxygenation for fresher, tastier water and triple filtration to ensure the water is always clean and drinkable, this simplistic and stylish water fountain will be a hit with both your fur kids and you.
The LED indicator light gives you a visual reminder of the fountain’s working status and there’s a choice of smart or normal modes. Available in three colors and powered with a USB cable, this model offers outstanding value for money.
Averaging 4.2 stars out of five on Amazon, this pet fountain is highly praised. Filters can last as long as a month and they are said to be reasonably priced. The fountain is also easy to clean and people like that it comes in different colors. It also comes in for praise for being super quiet and because the water is not at the edge, there is less chance of the floor becoming wet with splashes.
Reason to buy: Triple filtration system and very quiet.
Reason to avoid: Requires a USB cable.
Best for keeping water clean
A brilliant option for discerning doggies and cosseted cats, this hi-tech water fountain does it all – there are multiple settings (the one you’re most likely to settle on is smart mode, which works on a five-minute cycle, welling up every three minutes before a two-minute rest), a noise-minimizing pump (it produces less than 40 dB per 50cm radius) and what’s known as an ion-exchange resin, which helps to de-ionize the water.
Whether your pet will notice this particular benefit remains to be seen, but two features that definitely earn this fountain some brownie points are the alerts – the light which appears when the filter needs changing, and the alarm which sounds when the water needs topping up.
Averaging 4.2 stars out of five on Amazon, this pet fountain is praised for being quiet, easy to clean, and able to hold a good amount of water. It also has an energy-saving mode which is great for saving money (and aiding the environment!). Many buyers love its looks too and say their cats are attracted to the flowing water.
Reasons to buy: De-ionizing feature and timer function.
Reasons to avoid: Bulky profile.
Best stainless steel pet water fountain
If you're the proud pet parent to both dogs and cats, then this stainless steel water fountain is well worth considering. With a generous 3.2 L capacity, you can rest assured that your fur friends will always have access to fresh water whenever they need it.
Equipped with an activated carbon filter and pre-filter sponge, the double filtration system does a great job of keeping the water clean and fresh, and they dynamic design comes with faucet and spring surge modes that match the drinking habits your pet would have had if they were living in the wild.
The 1.5W pump is super silent when running, coming in at under 20 dB, so you're guaranteed to get a good night's sleep even if you leave it running 24/7. It's also easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
With an average of 4.5 out of five on Amazon, there is a lot of love for this pet fountain. It’s simple to set up, quiet (some say you can only hear the trickle of water) and one went as far as saying it’s the easiest water fountain to clean ever! They just say you need to remember to keep it clean to prevent build-up.
Reasons to buy: Ultra-quiet and generous capacity.
Reasons to avoid: No water level window.
Best for multiple pets
A great fountain for pets who need a little encouragement to drink enough water, but who might be unnerved by hi-tech fountains that flash, beep, and vibrate, this minimalist model might not nab first place in the looks department, but it does what it says on the tin – ensuring your pet has an easily accessible, constant flow of filtered water.
Its low profile and dog bowl-inspired shape are less likely to unsettle dogs and cats, although our one gripe is the positioning of the pump – despite the deepness of this fountain’s bowl, the hardware has been placed near the rim, which means you’ll need to keep a close eye on water levels to ensure it doesn’t run dry.
With an average of just three out of five on Amazon, this pet fountain seems to split opinion. On the one hand, it’s a good size but, on the other, it’s reportedly a little too noisy for a lot of people’s ears. There’s a consistent hum, they say. The water doesn’t always flow strongly either.
Reason to buy: Ultra-quiet and easily accessible.
Reason to avoid: Unattractive.
Best for dogs with mobility issues
This bucket-style fountain is great for larger dogs, especially ones with mobility issues. This is because the water isn’t emitted in the form of a vertical jet, but a gentle stream that swirls around the fountain’s raised platform, before draining away down the sides.
In other words, there’s a constant, gently swirling pool of water for pets to sip from, and with a six-liter capacity, you won’t need to refill it regularly.
This is especially handy with this model because the one major downside is the inability to monitor water levels – unlike most water fountains, there’s no open bowl area, so you’ll only know when it’s time to refill once the water runs out.
Buyers on Amazon have given this an average of 4.1 out of five, with most of the hundreds of reviewers giving it four or more. It’s praised for being a high-quality product that is easy to clean and keeps plenty of water fresh and cool. It’s non-slip and heavy enough not to tip over too. It is higher than a normal bowl as well which can put less strain on a larger dog’s neck.
Reason to buy: Minimalistic styling and easy to access.
Reason to avoid: Hard to keep track of water level.
Best transparent pet water fountain
Stylish and affordable? The NPET water fountain definitely delivers on both. With a classy and modern clear design that will encourage your feline friend or small canine companion to drink up and alert you when the fountain needs filling again, plus a generous 1.5 L capacity, this model ticks all the boxes.
You can adjust the height to suit the size of your pet by simply adding or removing the middle component, and given that it doesn't come with a wall plug and instead operates off of an adapter or power bank, it can be easily placed in any part of the room.
The triple-layer filtration system catches hair and debris, softens the tap water, and removes bad taste and odor to ensure your pet has only the freshest and cleanest water at their disposal.
With an average rating of 4.4 out of five – staggering given there are more than 11,000 ratings! – this is a much-loved pet fountain. Despite being cordless, this doesn’t appear to lose many fans. Buyers like that it can be effortlessly moved around the home.
Reason to buy: Large capacity.
Reason to avoid: Can be difficult to separate the top from the bottom for cleaning.
Best pumpless water fountain
The Outlast Cat Fountain holds up to 9oz of water and filters out any unwanted debris. We love the fact that it’s pumpless — giving you one less thing to worry about cleaning!
The fountain arrives with one filter which will need replacing every three weeks. You don’t need to worry about keeping track of this, because a handy LED light will remind you when it’s time to change it. Not only do the filters stop bacteria from growing, but they also keep the water nice and soft for your cat.
So, how easy is it to set up? Our tester Megan says it’s “very simple to assemble” and she had it up and running in under 10 minutes. She also praised how easy it is to clean, thanks to it being dishwasher safe.
The white design is subtle, blending discreetly into any home. However, the noise is louder than our tester would have liked and caused her cats to feel a little frightened at first.
Reason to buy: Pumpless, easy to install, LED reminders
Reason to avoid: Noisy
How to choose the best pet water fountain
With so many pet water fountains on the market, it’s difficult to choose the perfect one for you. But there are certain key features which you need to look out for. These will not only ensure that you’re buying a pet water fountain that will encourage your cats and dogs to drink but go a long way to making your life easier too.
Easy to clean
Over time, a pet water fountain – just like a bowl – is going to get a little grubby. Pet saliva, dander, and fur will begin to clog the filter and you may find you get some build-up over time. So look for a pet water fountain that is easy to dismantle and clean.
Good stability
One of the issues with standard bowls is that there is a danger they could tip, sending water across your floor. When you’re using a pet water fountain, you’re dealing with even more water so you’ll want to keep spillage to a minimum. Opt for a stable fountain. If it’s a light model, then see if it has grip patches on the base. Suction cups are fine on a heavier fountain.
Time-saving features
Yes, a pet water fountain’s main purpose is to ensure your dog or cat is getting sufficient amounts of water, fresh and clean on demand but consider the practicalities too. A large capacity fountain means you have to refill it less frequently. Dishwater-proof pieces make cleaning easy. You could also look for a pet water fountain with an alarm or light to indicate when water levels need topping up or a filter needs to be replaced.
Do dogs and cats like pet water fountains?
Still, water has the potential to become stagnant and this can cause bacteria to form, leading to potential illness. It’s perhaps why animals have long preferred free-flowing rivers and streams.
“Most dogs and cats prefer fountains to bowls,” says Dr. Beth Turner, DVM, of Preventive Vet. “Besides the fact they often like running, cool water, most fountains are wide and therefore don't rub on whiskers.”
Do vets recommend pet water fountains?
Absolutely! According to Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM, pet fountains provide “a continuous flow of fresh, filtered water.” They also remove impurities like dirt, litter, hair, food, and water, improving taste and health outcomes.
Additionally, research published in Small Animal Practice suggests pet water fountains are especially useful for promoting hydration in aging cats. And they’ve been cited as effective in combating feline cystitis (urinary bladder inflammation).
For these reasons and more, many vets recommend pet water fountains instead of bowls.
How do you clean a pet water fountain?
So, you’ve read that people find some pet water fountains easier to clean than others but you’re unsure exactly what that entails?
“Water fountains can easily be taken apart and cleaned with warm water and soap,” says D. Beth Turner, DVM, of Preventive Vet. “Some fountains have parts that are dishwasher-safe on the top rack. To help keep it clean, filters must be changed regularly.”
Should you turn off a pet water fountain at night?
Given the environmental impact of running electrical goods (not to mention the cost), it’s natural to be concerned about having a pet water fountain running day and night. But remember this: just because you’re asleep at night doesn’t mean your fur friend is. Does that mean you keep it on, though?
“Pet fountains can be left running continuously as long as they are properly maintained (water level is monitored, the unit is cleaned, and filters are regularly changed),” says Dr Beth Turner, DVM, of Preventive Vet. “There is no need to turn them off except to clean them. Note, if the water gets below a certain level or runs out, it will damage the motor.”
David Crookes has been a journalist for more than 20 years and he has written for a host of magazines, newspapers, websites and books including World of Animals, BBC Earth, Dogs and Canines, Gadget and The Independent. Born in England, he lives in a household with two cats but he’s also keenly interested in the differences between the huge number of dog breeds — in fact, you can read many of his breed guides here on PetsRadar. With a lifelong passion for technology, too, he’s always on the lookout for useful devices that will allow people to spend more time with their pets.
A 2009 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Georgina Ushi works in the Tampa Bay area, providing compassionate care to dogs and cats. Alongside her clinical work, she consults for pet well-being brands and writes for her blog, Pet Health Love. Dr. Ushi is passionate about sharing her knowledge to educate and inspire pet owners, and her professional interests include emergency and critical care, wildlife medicine, nutrition, and hospice and palliative care.
Vet Dr. Beth Turner has more than 20 years of experience. After graduating from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, she became an associate vet and worked closely with the local shelter. She designed and built her own clinic in 2007 and she also became her county's shelter vet. She sold the practice in 2019 and moved across the country to Colorado where she’s enjoying all that it has to offer with her family and rescue pup.
